Paul Oboohov, Canberra
The ACT Labor government, with the support of the Liberal MLAs, rammed a bill through the ACT Legislative Assembly on May 25 to make the Gungahlin Drive extension immune from planning and environmental legislation. The extension will destroy bush nature reserves on Bruce and O'Connor ridges and the lower western slopes of Black Mountain.
Only two of the 17 MLA's opposed the bill — the Greens' Kerrie Tucker and Roslyn Dundas from the Democrats. Construction work is expected to restart soon.
The Save the Ridge group, while proceeding with legal challenges on some aspects, plans to mobilise its supporters to protest and blockade the resumption of work on the road.
To find out more or get involved, phone Save the Ridge on 0423 159 624 or visit <http://www.savetheridge.org.au>.
From Green Left Weekly, June 9, 2004.
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